In the title of the work that
debuted Wednesday in Cajasol, Rafael Campallo broadcast his intention not to
abandon for a single moment his classic approach to flamenco dance. Despite the fact that remaining true to the
school of his city and his heritage prevents him from participating in certain
circuits where he could be included because of his artistic quality, but where
such shows (with a traditional aesthetic) are no longer welcome.

In that sense, Sin Renuncia can’t compete, in the conceptual sense, nor in the
exquisite elaborate staging of the works of his peers. Mostly because the most interesting thing in
going to see Rafael Campallo is being able to stand in front of him and
contemplate the richness of detail in his gestures.

In other words, even putting into
practice the specific natural type of flamenco dance glued to his eyelashes,
the man from Seville reveals himself at times to be a unique artist capable of
marking the difference with profiled poses, a shoulder movement, a well-timed
stop or precise footwork without being overbearing.

But above all, and as we were able
to once again see, Campallo is the king of the fiesta. A natural winner who, from the smile, the
swagger and craftiness, delighted the audience, daring them with a swivel of
the hips.

We enjoyed his serene farruca, the
taranto in which he showed off his turns and the energy of his feet, the soleá
he carried off with incredible control, but where he was truly inspired was in
the brief tangos he laid out, and with which he got the audience worked up, and
in the closing bulerías.

Because it’s there, in his relaxed
body, and in the ease with which he pulls off these forms, where were find the
most personal, authentic and inspiring Campallo. In those winks, in that twisting of the torso,
in that sensuality and that simple dance – and yet so tremendously difficult –
where we would forever linger.